Hylands, Filey: Reimagining a Landmark for Contemporary Coastal Living
We have resubmitted our Hylands scheme for planning following a comprehensive review of current market conditions, reducing the number of units and significantly enhancing the quality and flexibility of the homes.
Hylands, Filey: Reimagining a Landmark for Contemporary Coastal Living
At PARKdesigned Architects, Leeds architects working across Yorkshire and the wider UK, we are pleased to share a significant milestone in the evolution of our Hylands project in Filey. Following a detailed reassessment of current market conditions and housing demand along the east coast, we have formally resubmitted the scheme for planning approval.
This resubmission represents more than a numerical adjustment. It reflects a strategic and design led response to changing patterns of living, particularly within coastal communities.
Responding to Today’s Housing Needs
The original proposal comprised 22 residential units. After careful analysis of market demand, buyer profiles and long term viability, we have reduced the total number of homes to 17. This considered reduction allows each dwelling to benefit from increased floor area, improved internal layouts and enhanced spatial quality.
The majority of the revised homes are now designed as generous three bedroom units, aimed primarily at families and those seeking flexible accommodation. In coastal towns such as Filey, there is a clear need for high quality permanent residences rather than predominantly smaller, short term or holiday focused accommodation. Our revised approach supports a more balanced and sustainable residential mix.
As Leeds architects with experience in commercial, residential and regeneration projects, we recognise that good design must align with economic reality. In this instance, reducing density has enabled us to improve functionality, daylight access, storage provision and overall liveability without compromising the viability of the scheme.
Adapting a Former Grand Hotel for Modern Life
Hylands is an iconic former grand hotel, an important part of Filey’s architectural heritage and coastal identity. The building’s scale and presence offer both opportunity and responsibility. Our approach has been to respect its character while ensuring it performs to contemporary standards.
Key considerations in the revised design include:
• Rationalised circulation to create clearer and more efficient cores
• Improved family friendly layouts with defined living and sleeping zones
• Enhanced outlook and relationship to the surrounding coastal context
• Careful integration of modern building standards within a historic envelope
Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings is inherently complex. It requires a balance between conservation, compliance and commercial realism. As Leeds architects experienced in working with existing structures, we have applied a rigorous design and technical process to ensure that the building’s legacy is preserved while delivering homes suited to modern expectations.
A Community Focused Approach
A central driver behind the redesign has been long term community benefit. Filey, like many coastal towns, faces pressures linked to seasonality and housing availability. By prioritising larger, high quality homes designed for permanent occupation, we aim to support a stable residential community rather than transient occupancy patterns.
We firmly believe that architectural projects must create enduring value. This means designing homes that are adaptable over time, robust in construction and efficient in operation. It also means engaging with stakeholders and responding constructively to feedback received during earlier stages of the process.
Why This Matters for Clients Seeking Leeds Architects
Although the Hylands project is located in Filey, it reflects the ethos that underpins our work as Leeds architects. We do not treat planning submission as a fixed endpoint. Where market conditions, policy context or community needs shift, we are prepared to revisit, refine and strengthen proposals to ensure long term success.
For developers, landowners and investors, this proactive approach reduces risk and enhances deliverability. For communities, it ensures schemes remain relevant and beneficial.
Our team provides architectural services across all stages of the construction process, from feasibility and concept design through planning, technical design and on site delivery. Projects such as Hylands demonstrate our ability to navigate complex refurbishments, density optimisation and heritage considerations while maintaining commercial clarity.
Looking Ahead
We would like to thank everyone who has followed the progress of the Hylands scheme to date. The resubmission marks an important step forward, and we remain committed to delivering homes that genuinely serve the local community and stand the test of time.
If you are seeking experienced Leeds architects for a coastal, regeneration or adaptive reuse project, we would welcome a conversation about how we can add value from the earliest stages.